The Enchanted Island Trail

Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport, your local tour guide will meet and greet you, assist with your luggage, and escort you to your vehicle for a comfortable transfer to Katunayake. Approx. 15minutes drive.

Proceed and check in to the hotel.

Morning proceed to Habarana via Na-Uyana. Approx. 2 hours’ drive.

Start your journey and proceed to visit Na-Uyana Buddhist monastery Approx. 2 hours’ drive.

Na Uyana Buddhist Monastery is a serene and peaceful monastery located in Sri Lanka, situated in a beautiful forested area. The monastery is well-known for its emphasis on Vipassana meditation and mindfulness practice, attracting both local and international visitors who seek a tranquil environment for spiritual growth and meditation.

The name Na Uyana translates to "The Grove of the Na Tree," referring to the Na Tree (Mesua ferrea), which is common in the area. The monastery is a part of the Sri Lankan Forest Tradition, which focuses on simple living and deep meditation practices in nature.

This monastery is famous for its meditation retreats, where individuals can engage in deep meditative practices under the guidance of experienced monks. It provides a retreat space for both novices and advanced practitioners of meditation, with the natural surroundings enhancing the experience of mindfulness and inner peace.

Also, a monk will explain you about the Buddhist philosophy and the background of Buddhism.

Afterward, you can unwind with a refreshing cup of herbal tea, served in a coconut shell, which offers both a soothing and authentic touch to the experience. To round off your visit, you’ll also have the chance to enjoy a delicious vegetarian lunch, allowing you to savor fresh and flavorful plant-based dishes.

It’s a peaceful and enriching way to end your time, offering a deeper connection to both the culture and tranquility of the experience.

Proceed to Habarana and check in to the hotel. 1.5 hours’ drive.

After breakfast proceed to climb Sigiriya rock fortress. Approx. 25 minutes’ drive.

SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS: The 5th century rock citadel of King Kasyapa and World Heritage Site - Sigiriya - doesn't only boasts of ancient Sri Lankan engineering & urban planning supremacy but also acclaims to be one of the finest monuments of art & culture. Step through the gigantic 'Lion Paws' - overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens below - to comprehend the absolute splendor that once dominated this rock fortress. Surrounded by ramparts & moats the Lion Rock - resembling the mythological 'City of Gods' - is coated by frescoes that relate to Gupta style paintings found in Ajanta caves of India. Walk in the shade of an eminent 'mirror wall' embracing the Western face of Sigiriya representing an artistic hundred meters laminated with graffiti.

Return to the hotel to refresh yourself and enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Afterward, proceed to Hiriwadunna to start your village walk experience.

Hiriwadunna village, a picturesque rural area in Habarana. The jeep ride offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the natural breeze and capture scenic photos of the attractions along the route.

Bullock Cart Ride:

Your journey begins with a charming bullock cart ride along picturesque village paths to Hiriwadunna. Pulled by two strong bulls, this leisurely ride provides a unique glimpse into rural life and the serene countryside. The ride concludes near Hiriwadunna Lake, where you'll disembark the cart to embark on the next adventure. If the clients are not comfortable doing bullock cart ride, we can arrange them tractors.

Catamaran Boat Ride:

From the lake’s edge, you'll board a traditional catamaran for a scenic boat ride on Hiriwadunna Lake. As you glide across the water, enjoy breathtaking views of the Sigiriya and Pidurangala rocks in the distance. If you’re keen, join the boatman in rowing and be treated to his impressive skills, which may include crafting a hat for gentlemen and a beautiful necklace for ladies. The boat ride ends with a dock at a quaint village on the opposite shore, offering a perfect conclusion to this memorable experience.

Village House Activities & Lunch

Experience the traditional daily life of a rural village by visiting a local house. Explore the nearby paddy fields and a garden where indigenous vegetables are cultivated. Climb up into a treehouse adjacent to the fields, which farmers use at night to protect their crops from animals.

Enjoy a simple, traditional meal prepared by a village woman using fresh vegetables hand-picked from the garden. If time allows, watch as she demonstrates how to cook a traditional meal or make roti.

After your meal, witness a fascinating presentation on traditional skills, including crafting a roof from coconut leaves and using a kulla and mirisgala to separate rice seeds from husks and straw.

On completion, proceed back to the hotel and relax.

Morning proceed to Mapakada. Approx. 2 hours’ drive. Visit the Vedda Village and immerse yourself in the unique lifestyle of Sri Lanka's indigenous people, experiencing their rich traditions, culture, and deep connection with nature.

The Vedda people are an indigenous ethnic group in Sri Lanka, known for their distinct culture and history. They are believed to be the island's earliest inhabitants, with roots tracing back over 25,000 years. Traditionally, the Vedda people were hunters and gatherers, living in close harmony with the forests. Their language is a unique mix of Sinhalese and their own ancient dialect, though it is now endangered.

Over time, many Vedda have adopted mainstream Sri Lankan culture, but some communities continue to maintain their traditional lifestyle, especially in the forests of central and eastern Sri Lanka. The Vedda people are recognized as a crucial part of Sri Lanka's cultural heritage

After visiting them proceed to the hotel and check in to the hotel.

Early morning (around 0630am) collect your packed breakfast and start your nature trail to Rathna Ella. (04 to 05 hours trek)

Guided by your tracker, head towards Hasalaka to the starting point of the Hasalaka Hetttipola road. Once you arrive at the starting point, you will be taken to a village-based mud house restaurant called ‘Lunu Mirisa’ where you will enjoy a refreshing Herbal drink to start off your journey. Begin your walk towards the waterfall and enjoy the biodiversity, village life and scenic views leading to the Rathna Ella falls.

On your return, you will also get the opportunity to visit the ‘Kaluwa Wetuna Ella’, another smaller waterfall. You will also receive the opportunity to experience a few traditional Sri Lankan village crafts such as drumming, clay pot manufacturing, and pan weaving to name a few.

Return to the ‘Lunu Mirisa’ restaurant to indulge in a traditional Sri Lankan lunch served in clay pots.

Highlights

• Rathna Ella fall
• Kaluwa Wetuna waterfall
• Sri Lankan drumming experience
• Clay pot manufacturing and pan weaving experience in a village house
• Traditional lunch at Lunu mirisa

Afterward, proceed to Kandy. Approx. 2.5 hours’ drive. Proceed to Kandy and visit Kandy temple and the city in the evening.

Temple of Sacred tooth Relic:

Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a World Heritage Site mainly due to the temple. Bhikkhus of the two chapters of Malwatte and Asgiriya conduct daily worship in the inner chamber of the temple. Rituals are performed three times daily: at dawn, at noon and in the evenings. On Wednesdays there is a symbolic bathing of the relic with an herbal preparation made from scented water and fragrant flowers called Nanumura Mangallaya. This holy water is believed to contain healing powers and is distributed among those present.

Check in to the hotel. Rest and relax yourself.

After breakfast, proceed to Nuwara Eliya by vehicle Approx.2 hours’ drive. Enroute visit a tea plantation and a factory to learn the process of manufacturing Ceylon tea – You will bedoing this in a less touristic place for you to get the best experience.

Ceylon Tea is a world-renowned tea from Sri Lanka, known for its bold flavors and high quality. Grown in the island’s diverse climates, it comes in three main varieties: lowland, midland, and highland teas, each offering distinct tastes. Ceylon Tea is celebrated for its bright, refreshing taste and is often enjoyed as black, green, or white tea. It plays a vital role in Sri Lanka's culture and economy and is widely exported globally.

Visit Nuwara Eliya city by the car and afterward the guide will take you to the Nanu – Oya railway station to catch the train up to Ella.

The Nanu Oya to Ella train ride is a scenic journey through Sri Lanka's central highlands, offering stunning views of tea plantations, waterfalls, and misty mountains. The trip takes about 2.5 to 3 hours and is a popular way to experience the island’s natural beauty. It's a must-do for those visiting Ella or Nuwara Eliya.

The guide will pick you from the Ella railway station and drive you to the hotel in Ella. Approx.10-15 minutes’ drive.

Check in to the hotel. Rest and relax yourself.

Morning you are free to do a lite trekking to “Little Adam’s Peak” (The guide will accompany you if you wish to do so)

Little Adam's Peak is a popular hiking destination in Ella, Sri Lanka, known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and tea plantations. The hike is relatively short and easy, taking about 1 to 1.5 hours to reach the summit. The peak offers a panoramic view of the famous Ella Rock and the lush landscape below, making it a favorite spot for both sunrise and sunset. It's a great option for those looking for a scenic adventure without a strenuous climb.

Proceed back to the hotel in the same tuk-tuk and get freshen up before heading Yala. Approx. 2 hours’ drive.

Morning safari at Yala national park.

YALA NATIONAL PARK:

This is among the oldest and best known of Sri Lanka's 15 National Parks. It covers approximately 1,300 square kilometres and is home to a range of ecosystems found nowhere else in Sri Lanka. With vegetation including moist and dry monsoon forests, thorn forest, savannah grasslands and fresh and saltwater wetlands, it comes as no surprise that the Yala National Park has the perfect habitats for the large number of endemic plant and animal species unique to the country, thus making it one of the chosen wildlife safari destinations that features on every ones’ tour itineraries. There are 44 species of recorded mammals in this National Park, which Include the Sri Lankan Leopard, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear and Sri Lankan Elephant, 215 species of birds, 46 species of reptiles and 21 species of amphibians.

Touch base with some of your favorite animals; watch Leopards feed, laze and play in the open, and if you’re lucky you’ll see plenty of them as Yala is known to have the highest density of Leopards in the world. Listen to the elephant’s trumpet, monkeys chatter, sloth bear grunts and the melodious bird song from the verdant woods. Watch out! There’s plenty more to stop you on your tracks and let your heart pound faster. From the break of dawn to setting of dusk, Yala National Park is bustling with excitement, inviting wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers to witness some of nature’s wonders, indulge in some great photography and be one with nature as never before.

On completion, proceed back to the hotel and enjoy your breakfast. Afterward, proceed to Galle. Approx. 2 hours drive.

Evening walk in Dutch fort full of fancy shops, resturants, cafes and boutiques.

Galle Fort is a historic fortress located in Galle, Sri Lanka. Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort features cobblestone streets, colonial-era buildings, charming cafes, and art galleries, offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka's colonial past. It is surrounded by the Indian Ocean and offers stunning views, making it a popular destination for both history enthusiasts and tourists seeking scenic beauty.

Morning proceed to Bentota. Approx. 1.5 hours drive.

Experience the ultimate beach getaway where golden sands meet crystal-clear waters. Relax in a cozy beachside cabana, listen to the gentle lapping of waves, and soak up the sun while savoring refreshing tropical drinks.

Drop off at the beach hotel.

Full day leisure or free to roam around.

No vehicle at disposal.

After breakfast transfer to the airport to board on your departure flight.